New fighting vehicles tested at sea

Huntsman and Redback armoured vehicles took part in sea trials on and around Garden Island, Sydney Harbour, in July.

The next-generation AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle, AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle were loaded on and off HMAS Canberra and her landing craft.

Project Director for LAND 400 Phase 3 (infantry fighting vehicles), Col Marek Janiszewski, said the trials proved the deployability and interoperability of the new vehicles.

“These trials have demonstrated that the vehicles are able to undertake littoral operations,” Col Janiszewski said.

He said the testing showed the vehicles were optimised for littoral operations and were able to be projected into the region.

Introduction of the new vehicles is part of the largest recapitalisation of capability for the Army since World War II, with significant investment in littoral vessels, long-range fires and battlefield aviation.

Col Janiszewski said the Redback was one of the most lethal, modern and best-protected infantry fighting vehicles available, and a major uplift in capability for the combined arms land system.

“We are stepping forward in leaps and bounds with a new upgraded system to provide our soldiers the best ability to fight, succeed at their missions and come home safely to their families,” he said.

The first Australian-made Redbacks are expected to roll off the production line next year.